Ms ROSOL question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
Yesterday, 129 former detainees of Ashley Youth Detention Centre settled a class action, and I acknowledge some of them in the Chamber today. The state agreed to pay $75 million to compensate for abuse received at the centre. This momentous agreement brings some justice to victim/survivors for abuse inflicted between 1961 and 2021, with 2021 not that long ago.
The lawyer representing these people reports many more potential claimants, some alleging abuse in the last three or four years. The evidence is clear: Ashley Youth Detention Centre has never been safe for young people and the commission of inquiry said it continues to be a safety risk while it is open. The centre must close. How many more terrible stories of abuse must we hear before you close Ashley Youth Detention Centre? What date are you currently working towards for its closure?
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RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
The SPEAKER – I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of those people who have campaigned around this area for some time.
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ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I empathise greatly with the content of the question and acknowledge yesterday’s outcome. I also acknowledge the people who have been advocates for such an outcome. I am pleased that, through mediation, the parties agreed an in‑principle settlement of some $75 million for 129 former Ashley Youth Detention Centre detainees from 1961 to 2021, a long period, some 60 years.
I wrote a letter yesterday to the plaintiffs and members of the class action, and I said:
As Premier of Tasmania, I was deeply saddened to learn of the abuse that you experienced whilst you were in the state’s care at Ashley Youth Detention Centre, formerly known as Ashley Home for Boys.
On behalf of the Tasmanian government and past governments, I sincerely apologise for the abuse you suffered while you were in our care.
Through the evidence given at the commission of inquiry and your lawyers, we have heard your story and we acknowledge the lasting and negative impact abuse has on the lives of children, young people and their families.
I thank you for coming forward and I hope that this apology and the resolution of your claim will assist in your recovery.
Your sincerely
Jeremy Rockliff, MP, Premier.
I well appreciate that with the associated trauma over the last 60 years, advocates, victim/survivors and indeed the entire community would want Ashley closed as soon as possible, which we are committed to.
The decision to close the detention centre and build a new facility aligns with the recommendations of the commission of inquiry and Youth Justice blueprint, which prioritises therapeutic approaches and a long‑term reduction in crime. The new facility is part of a broader reform program aimed at improving youth justice in Tasmania by providing a therapeutic model of care that focuses on rehabilitation and intensive intervention for young people in detention.
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time for addressing the question has expired.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
The SPEAKER – I am assuming I am getting a supplementary on the second part of the question member for Bass?
Ms ROSOL – Yes, Speaker. I asked specifically what date they are working towards with the closure, as it seems to be extending out and out.
The SPEAKER – Yes, you did, in case people could not hear because of the mask. Ms Rosol has re-asked the second part of the question, which the Premier is still to come to. I call the Premier.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Thank you, honourable member, for the supplementary question. Ashley Youth Detention Centre will close. We have a plan for a new facility designed for a smaller number of young people sentenced to detention in line with the commission of inquiry recommendations for a detention centre that is a small and therapeutic. It is recommendation 12.16, if my memory serves me correctly. This relies on developing alternatives for other young people placed at Ashley, such as those on remand, for whom we need suitable options, including supported bail and accommodation.
Dr Woodruff – You promised to do it this year.
Mr ROCKLIFF – We have recognised previous commitments.
Dr Woodruff – And the commission of inquiry wrapping up early because of the urgency.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I recognise the commission of inquiry and their timeline as well, but a lot of work is being done. I know that minister Jaensch, who has been facing scrutiny –
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time for answering the question has expired. There are opportunities to further progress this issue.
